ATM Offers Financial Independence to the Mentally Handicapped

This has been made possible by a special version of the ProCash/FONet software adapted for the needs of the care establishment, and the result is greater financial independence for the mentally handicapped residents. The home also saves on administrative effort in connection with distributing cash. People with mental illnesses often fail to plan their financial welfare in a measured, sustainable way and usually have a legally appointed care-agent or assistant to help them manage their money. In practice, when responsibility and decision-making passes to an agent, this often results in handicapped persons either forgetting how to handle their money or not learning about it in the first place. They are constantly dependent on when their care-agent or assistant distributes cash to them. In the Altleuben10 home for the mentally handicapped in Dresden, Wincor Nixdorf has now installed a solution enabling residents of the home to obtain their cash from a standard ATM at any time of day and without the help of a third-party. Withdrawal limits and time intervals are set for each resident. The specially adapted ProCash/FOnet software from Wincor Nixdorf then manages and controls the withdrawal of these sums. There is no need to enter a PIN - the home issues magnetic cards allowing cash withdrawals at multiple pre-arranged times, or allowing residents to withdraw amounts of their own choosing within their withdrawal limit. Following successful testing in the Dresden establishment, Wincor Nixdorf will also be offering this solution to other fully residential homes and establishments. As well as minor cash withdrawals, functions such as withdrawal of clothing and food allowances or employee travel expenses are also possible.